How I Actually Use My Instant Pot (3 Go-To Recipes I Make All the Time)

I think a lot of people own an Instant Pot… and don’t really use it.
It sits on the counter, comes out once in a while, and then gets pushed back because it feels intimidating or unnecessary.

But in my house, the Instant Pot is something I use regularly — not for fancy meals or complicated recipes, but for the boring, everyday basics that make feeding a family easier.

I have the 6 quart btw, find it here 😊

What finally made the Instant Pot click for me wasn’t trying new recipes every week. It was realizing how useful it is for:

• cheap pantry staples
• hands-off protein
• meal prep that actually saves time

These three recipes are the reason my Instant Pot stays in rotation.

Why the Instant Pot Works for Real Life (Not Just “Special” Recipes)

The Instant Pot shines when it replaces tasks that normally:

• take a long time
• require planning ahead
• need babysitting on the stove

I use it most for foods I make over and over again — beans, eggs, and simple meat — because it removes friction from my day. I don’t have to soak, watch, stir, or guess.

That’s why these recipes matter. They’re not trendy — they’re practical.

Dry Beans — Because Soaking Is Easy to Forget

Beans are a staple in our house, but remembering to soak them overnight? Not so much.

The Instant Pot lets me cook dry beans from scratch without planning ahead, which means:

• cheaper meals
• better texture than canned
• no extra steps

How I Use the Instant Pot for Beans

Rinse 2 cups of dry beans and add them directly to the pot with 5.5 cups water or broth.

If you are using water, add in chicken bouillon. Beef or vegetable can also be used.

Pressure cook on manual for 45 minutes and let it natural release.

Perfect as a side, in soups, or as a base for refried beans. This recipe alone justifies owning the Instant Pot for me! 😉

Hard-boiled eggs AKA the only way I boil eggs

If you meal prep even a little, the Instant Pot makes eggs incredibly easy.

No boiling water.
No guessing doneness.
No hard-to-peel shells.

Add in 1 cup of water into your instant pot with a trivet.

Add your eggs, as little or as many as you want… just keep below that max line. Yes, it’s fine to stack them!! I cook 24 at a time 😁

Cook on manual for 3 minutes and let natural release for just 4 minutes.

Ice bath them when after you have released the pressure.

Enjoy the easiest to peel hard boiled eggs all done without boiling any water.

Why I Always Use the Instant Pot for Eggs

They cook evenly

They peel easily

I can make 2 dozen at once

I’ll usually cook eggs at the beginning of the week and keep them in the fridge for:

• quick breakfasts
• snacks
• salads

It’s one of those simple things that quietly makes the week run smoother. Plus these are very forgiving. I have forgotten about then eggs in the instant pot for… many more minutes (I think the longest was 20) and although they were a little gray on the edges, they were still delicious.

Pork Loin – the only way to not overcook it

This is where the instant pot can really shine. Boneless pork loins can be a cheap piece of meat, perfect for budget meals.. but it can also be finicky. The instant pot gives you consitant juicey loins.

Season and sear a 2lb boneless pork loin. If I’m being honest.. I don’t always season the loin! I just sear it and let the broth do the work. This is especially helpful when you need a plain base, like for pork fried rice.

Add in 1 cup of broth. I use chicken because that’s what I have on hand.

Cook on manual for 20 minutes with a natural release. Be sure to check the temperature! Pork needs to be at 145 degrees for safety. If you find your loin isn’t done, cook for another cycle for an additional 5-10 minutes.

The result is tender, sliceable pork that works for:

• dinner the same night
• leftovers for lunches
• repurposing into multiple meals

Why I Love This for Busy Days

• Minimal prep
• Predictable results
• Easy cleanup

It’s one of my go-to proteins when I want something homemade but don’t want to think too hard.

This Is Why I Reach for My Instant Pot Again and Again

I don’t use my Instant Pot because it’s trendy or impressive.

I use it because it:

• removes steps
• reduces decision fatigue
• makes everyday food easier

Beans without soaking.
Eggs without babysitting.
Meat that is tender without hovering around the oven.

That’s what keeps it in my kitchen — not special recipes, but reliable ones.

Helpful Instant Pot Tools I Use Regularly

• 6-quart Instant Pot
• Trivet / steaming rack (great for eggs)
• Food prep storage containers
• Instant-read thermometer
• glass pyrex measuring cups